Manager of Production Planning: Cradles to Crayons

Opportunity: Full-time Position at Cradles to Crayons

Department: Operations

Title: Manager of Production Planning

FLSA Status: Exempt

Reports to: Associate Director of Operations

Location: Philadelphia, PA

About Cradles to Crayons:

Cradles to Crayons (C2C) was founded in 2002, with the mission of providing children from birth through age 12, living in homeless or low-income situations, with the essential items they need to thrive – at home, at school and at play. C2C is at the cutting edge of volunteer management, and through its “Giving Factory” provides unique, hands-on opportunities for people to help other people.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Reporting to the Associate Director of Operations, the Manager of Production Planning (Manager) is a results-oriented leader who brings a balance of operational excellence, a strong management capability, superior communication skills and a can-do attitude. The Manager oversees the day to day activities in the “Giving Factory”, ensuring an efficient production schedule as well as cultivating a safe and engaging environment for volunteers.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to work closely with all departments to create a daily and weekly volunteer and production schedule that matches production requirements to fulfill demand. This schedule will encompass planning to match production needs with available staff and inventory. In addition, the Manager is responsible for strategically engaging individual and group volunteers in appropriate volunteer activities within the Giving Factory and to recommend adjustments based on volunteer feedback.

This position is accountable for the planning, preparation and performance of the facility, its processes, team members and volunteers. The manager will ensure the Giving Factory always provides a safe and customer-focused appearance, while producing essential items efficiently and with quality. This also includes overseeing the logistical support of the organization including but not limited to inventory tracking, supply ordering and overall maintenance and safety of the workplace.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Model and lead a positive “One Cradles” culture, underpinned by Cradles’ Cultural Values and related behaviors.
• Monitor the overall day-to-day operations of the Giving Factory and maintain the Operations Calendar for efficient scheduling.
• Manage the Volunteer Calendar to create a daily and weekly production plan that matches product requirements to fulfill partner demand.
• Ensure the proper scheduling and output of volunteer leaders and volunteers to maximize operational efficiency.
• Manage and implement new policies and procedure changes that directly affect the Giving Factory.
• Optimize storage space, both within the Giving Factory and off-site, and coordinate replenishment of inventory.
• Collaborate with the Development team to meet organizational goals.
• Oversee the maintenance and appearance of warehouse facilities, including Covid-19 cleaning protocols.
• Understand the resources required to maintain federal, state and local OSHA requirements.
• Receive gently used donations as outlined in the Material Handling Policy.
• Assist the Associate Director of Operations with the upkeep needed to create and maintain a safe Giving Factory.

Team management

• Direct and manage the Group Volunteer Leaders, Production Assistants, and Warehouse Logistics Coordinator.
• Attract, retain, and encourage individual professional development of team members.
• Manage weekly team meetings and one-on-one meetings with team members.
• Represent the Operations team in cross-functional meetings.
• Develop and implement a volunteer recruitment and retention plan.
• Provide informative orientation for every volunteer shift.
• Manage volunteer relations for signature events.
• Customize volunteer experience to reflect the ages and abilities of volunteers.
• Report on volunteer metrics against goals.

Required Experience/Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• 3-5 years of supervisory experience in a production, retail, or hospitality environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, logistics, or hospitality preferred.
• Strong leadership and communication skills.
• Excellent organizational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Proven track record of maintaining a production schedule.
• Strong project management and analytical skills.
• Retail or warehouse experience is a plus.
• Must speak fluent English and have a clean, active driving license.
• Ability to work a retail schedule including weekends and occasional nights.
• Ability to lift up to 30 lbs.

DIVERSITY IS OUR STRENGTH:

Diversity and Inclusiveness are core values at Cradles to Crayons. It is the policy of Cradles to Crayons to provide equal employment opportunities without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law.

Working Conditions:

This is a warehouse environment and normal changes in temperature are to be expected while working inside the warehouse or outside, on or around the loading dock.

Accommodation:

In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, requirements may be modified to reasonably accommodate disabled individuals, provided it does not pose serious health or safety risks or undue hardships on the organization.